Interview: Writer and composer KHIYON HURSEY on his London concert debut

Writer and composer Khiyon Hursey will make his much anticipated London debut this summer at The Other Palace, showcasing work from stage musicals, films, upcoming productions and shows in development. We caught up with Khiyon ahead of this week’s concert.

You’re due to make your London debut at The Other Palace this summer. What can audiences expect from the show?

Audiences can expect a wide range of genres across the evening. We have something for all fans of musical theatre and for those who might not consider themselves musical theatre lovers. We’ll also have some West End stars from shows like Six, Hamilton and &Juliet and special guests from New York City! Also, I’ll be performing a special Hamilton medley!

You’re based in Los Angeles and New York. What influenced your decision to come to London now?

Well, there’s massive strikes happening in the states. Writers and actors are striking, so not much work is happening in the States! But apart from that, I’ve worked in Los Angeles and New York City across TV, film and musical theatre for years. I’ve had incredible experiences with folks in the States but I’m eager to work and create with artists outside of the States and it seemed natural that London would be next as it’s one of the great theatre hubs in the world.

Very early on in your career, you worked as music assistant on both the Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Hamilton. What was that experience like?

I always describe working on Hamilton as grad school. It was similar to getting a master’s degree in musical theatre writing. Seeing the seamlessness of that incredible creative team has inspired me endlessly.

You’ve written songs for Spirited (Apple TV+), Soundtrack (Netflix), and are currently co-writing Love in America (produced by Issa Rae). What first attracts you to a project and how do you begin the writing process for it?

I always think about the “why”. Specifically, why the project exists and why is it needed now. I think all of these projects were and are deeply in touch with a specifical cultural moment in regards of what’s needed in society. Whether it’s providing joy, educating folks on issues, and telling untold stories. Those three things specifically really attract me to projects. And the writing process comes really easily after I identify the why. It can start with an outline and then I’ll actually start writing, or just starting as a free write.

What does the future hold for you? Do you have any new projects you can tell us about or anything you would really love to work on next?

I’m working on a new musical called Sean’s Story that features rap, R&B & pop. It hopefully will premiere in the near future, so keep an eye out for that. I’m hoping that folks will get to see Love in America soon!

Khiyon Hursey in Concert plays at The Other Palace on 20 July, with further information here.